This blog is about emerging author Melissa Wray and her journey into publication. It also includes great writing tips, useful links and guest author interviews with occasional giveaways.
Melissa hopes there is enough time in her life to write all the stories she wants to write and read all the books she wants to read. Both lists are long!

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Wednesday, 24 July 2013

The winding road to writing by Melissa Wray.

‘

I’ve
always wanted to write a book!’ Plenty of people say this, but how many really mean it? Are you
one of those who actually followed through with such a comment?
Congratulations! But coming up with an idea is the easy part. It’s what comes
next that requires persistence, hard work and a desire to write the best story
you can.

You might think you know how to write a story but there is always
something to learn. There are lots of ways to improve your craft. If you have
written one or even a hundred stories there is still room for improvement. There are three important things to
consider first. Plot, character, setting. But this is just the start. Writing
has so many more components to it. It would be beneficial to complete a writing
course to help get a better understanding. Research what is available and
choose one that suits your needs.

You can participate in writing workshops. They are usually
facilitated by experienced authors. Not only will you learn tips and
strategies, but it’s a great chance to interact with other writers. Also, when possible,
listen to other authors talk about their experiences and use their advice. Read
author interviews on blogs and in magazines. Each new idea adds to your writing
knowledge and understanding.

The more you can develop your knowledge of what makes a good story
the better. This can only improve your story when it comes time to write it.
Structure, grammar, narrative and other rules of writing are important to know.
They will improve your chance of publication and good reviews.

Now let’s fast forward to the two most satisfying words a writer
can type. THE END. Your dedication
has paid off. The story is finished and ready for an audience. These words
should never be typed unless you are ready for the next stage. No, the next
stage is not sending the manuscript off to every publisher who prints in your
genre. The next critical stage of developing your work is feedback. There are
lots of ways you can get this.

Use a Beta reader. They are the first person to peruse your work.
Their job is to question the plot, to spot flaws in the planning and execution
and to decide if the story makes sense. Your Beta reader can be a trusted friend
or family member. But you need to be sure they will be honest. Will they point
out all the boring bits in an original draft which you need to improve? Can
they identify the inconsistencies through the story that might confuse the
reader? Do they read in your genre and know what to look for? These are things
you need to consider before relying solely on their feedback.

Some people join a writing group that assists with the writing
process. They meet routinely and read aloud pieces of writing they are working
on. The group then gives advice and feedback on how it worked. If face to face
isn’t your thing then you might join a virtual writing community. The feedback
might not be as good but the support will be great. It might also give you some
motivation when you need it.

A Beta reader’s job can also be to proofread for errors. These include;
spelling, grammar, tense, point of view and characterisation. They might locate
overused words or terms. They can help strip back the use of unnecessary words that
slow the story down. A Beta reader is the extra eyes you need to reign in
unnecessary waffle.

If you want a truly unbiased opinion use a manuscript assessment
service. They will offer impartial advice, make unbiased observations and pick
up editing problems along the way. Think
of it as an investment in your writing. The experience can be like a one on one
mentoring session. You might not agree with everything they suggest but it
would be counter-productive to dismiss their assessment. Sometimes an issue is
brought up that you have not even considered. Other times the advice can add extra
authenticity to the story. Remember, the assessor is doing exactly what a
stranger who buys your book will do. That is reading and judging the validity
of the story and your writing.

Big publishing house go through various edits before going to
print. There is a reason the authors work is so polished. They have had help
along the way. It is arrogant and stupid to think once you have written your
story that it can’t get better. Especially, if you are the only person who has
read it.

If you expect people to pay money for your work then make sure it
is the best you can give them. After all, it’s your name that is attached to
it. If you plan on writing more stories then you want the reader to follow your
journey. You want to create an audience that enjoys your work and wants more.

Unfortunately not everyone will enjoy the story you write. Neither
will they like your writing style. But within their reactions will always be a
learning curve for you as a writer. Don’t take it personally, but do take it on
board as something to consider in the future. Ultimately though, if you believe
in yourself and love the story you have written, then that’s all that matters.
After all, we write because we want to tell a story. Everything else is
secondary.

I've been reading If I Tell You...I'll Have To Kill You: Australia's leading crime writers share their secrets. At the risk of sounding disingenuous (I am one of the contributing authors), I recommend this as a wonderful resource for writers of all fiction and a highly entertaining read.

The opening line of your post reminded me of a line in the book from Geoffrey McGeachin: "it's a well-known fact that 100 per cent of people who manage to get a book published have actually written a book. While actually writing a book doesn't guarantee you'll get published, it puts you several steps ahead of those who haven't."